Budget GS1000S rebuild. Not!!

[kiwimacchi]

There are a couple of bits I need to complete my project. Does anyone have an aircleaner top (for the compartment where the filter lives)? Also need a fuse box cover and a chainguard.
Also have been thinking about the front fork tops- anyone know of any fork tops without the air caps that will screw into the standard forks? Thanks guys. Adrian

[GregT]

Talk to Kev at Ruapuna sat, you are coming ? In the pile of spare bits for his GS's there are two airboxes - complete with lids...

[tfb]

Great work there. There's not much more satisfying than restoring/renovating/resurrecting an old GS. ;-)

[TurtleSlow]

Brilliant job. I wish I had that sort of skill...

Keep up the good work.

Cheers
Muz

[tfb]

I wish I had that sort of skill...

Ah, but YOU DO. You simply have to give the Engineer that lurks inside every Y-chromosome bearing individual (and a few XX sorts as well) a break! This means finding something that stretches your mechanical envelope. For some it will be changing the spark-plugs. For others it will be welding up and machining a whole new swingarm, or installing/tuning a supercharger kit, or building a motorcycle around 18 lawnmower heads grafted onto a single crankshaft.

But then, no matter the challenge you have set yourself, you find that your skill-set will develop. True, some have more natural talent than others, but this is just one of life's injustices that we have to live with. The main thing is to nurture the Engineer Within.

[Chris]

What a great build! I can't wait to see the finished product. My "S" stayed pretty stock looking but I sure like that way yours is turning out.

[kiwimacchi]

Hi Turtleslow, TFB is right! I started out at 14yo with no money and just 'played' with tools. Did my first paintjob at 16- brush painted a Vespa with advice from my Dad (came out pretty darned good too! Secret is to warm the paint so it flows, no brush marks!) I'm now 59 and dont possess many skills that an engineer would be proud of, but always give it a go. Also, there is always some wise person around who is happy to impart knowledge! Currently I'm busy painting the GS, and am quite proud how it's turning out- will post more pics soon. Anyway, in my wordy way i'm encouraging everyone to give it a go- you might surprise yourself!

[Frank Z.]

Following this one closely. Tempted to start something similar.
Fine work sir!

[kiwimacchi]

Well, it's been a while since my last post, I'm heavily into paintjob now. Panicking a little as autumn (fall) is nearly over, officially winter next week,wanted to get the paint finished before the weather turns to crap! My paintshop (otherwise called garage) is not heated. After primer surfacer, I painted all the plastics white 2K and went from there



On with the decals- problem! As I'm not using the original front guard, the decals didn't get close to fitting, so mask stripes by hand and carry on.....





For the next few weeks I have masked, sprayed, sanded, remasked, sprayed, sanded... you get the picture! Every time I thought I had it right, I would find another imperfection such as lines not as sharp as I would like, etc. Finally, today I thought it is as good as I'm going to get it, so got some clearcoat onto it. It looks spectacular! left it to go off for a while , upon returning , a couple of runs! Bugger!





I always planned on a couple more coats of clear anyways.

[posplayr]

Paint looks great.

[Arronduke]

I have enjoyed your post, I'm in Hunua AKL and are wanting to start learning how to spray paint. Have you had much practice?

Looks great.

Bike is stunning, well done, cant wait to see the body work on the bike.

[GregT]

I have enjoyed your post, I'm in Hunua AKL and are wanting to start learning how to spray paint. Have you had much practice?

Looks great.

Bike is stunning, well done, cant wait to see the body work on the bike.

Ade does very good paint....reluctantly. Get in line behind me, I've got a couple of things for him to do.

[tfb]

I wish I could paint like that!!

[Kiwi Canuck]

Very nice work, I like that you chose to paint the bike with the traditional Blue & White paint job and yes I wish I could paint like that.

Well done

Cheers,

David

[oblique]

Didn't know New Zealand had developed this much intelligence before reading this post.